ACI’s Ask A Question About Adoption

How do I get connected to an adoption agency?

Thinking about adoption can feel overwhelming. Connecting with a trustworthy adoption agency is important. Taking that first step—picking up the phone to make the initial call—can be intimidating. However, reaching out does not mean you are committed to moving forward with the adoption process.

As an adoption agency, our goal is to provide information and answer your questions. We want to empower you with knowledge so you can make the best decision for yourself and your child. When considering adoption, you should never feel pressured to proceed with placing your child for adoption

How do I find an adoption agency to learn more? There are many ways you can find a reputable adoption agency near you. Google, like many things, is the easiest way to search for agencies in your state. Agencies will have their own website with information about their philosophy, approach to adoption, and their process. We suggest you contact more than one agency to find one that you connect with and feel most supported by.

However, if doing online research feels overwhelming, you can also request to speak to the hospital’s maternity social worker. They will have resources and brochures with contact information for agencies in your area. Local Crisis Pregnancy Centers or Health Departments should also have this information available to anyone who calls or comes in.

What to look for in a reputable agency? We’ve prepared some tips.

7 tips to help you find an agency that is right for you:

Make sure the agency holds a current license. In Illinois, the state requires all adoption agencies to be licensed. You should be able to find a copy of the license on their website. Licensed agencies follow state laws and ethical practices because the state closely monitors them. If an agency is not licensed in your state, they will eventually need to connect you with someone who is.

Does the licensed adoption agency cover your area? Some agencies hold licenses in multiple states, but they may not have offices or social workers available for in-person meetings in your state. Having an agency that has counselors in your state and that can travel to your area provides you with more support opportunities. Your counselor will be able to meet you in person, be present when you meet with a prospective adoptive family, and be there to advocate for you at the hospital. You should never have to travel to meet with an adoption counselor.

When are the adoption counselors available? It’s important that you are able to connect with your counselor anytime for support, someone to talk to, hear any concerns, answer all your questions. If your counselor is unavailable during certain hours, can you reach an on-call counselor or emergency contact?

What counseling support can you access before and after placing a child for adoption? Does the agency provide, refer, and cover the cost of therapy with an adoption-competent therapist, in addition to offering support from its own adoption counselor? Will this support remain available for years after placement, whenever you feel you might need it?

What is that agency’s philosophy, values, beliefs? Do you share these same beliefs and hopes for your adoption? All feelings and beliefs are valid. It’s important you work with an agency that validates you every step of the way.

All agencies should immediately provide you with copies of your state’s adoption laws and your rights as someone considering adoption. In the state of Illinois, all agencies are required to provide as soon as practical the Birth Parent Rights and Responsibilities.

How did you feel talking with the counselor? You should feel you have the ability to ask any question at any time. You should never feel uncertain about whether you can do something or ask additional questions while creating your plan. Your counselor should always have time to answer all your questions or just be there to listen. It’s important to be comfortable and trust the agency and counselor you are working with.

Don’t hesitate to reach out and learn more about the option of adoption. Become empowered by learning more in order to make the best decisions for you and your child. If you are considering placing a child for adoption, Contact Us